asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the fact that this country has proportionately the highest number of night time traffic accidents in the EC, he is satisfied that requirements of the Road Traffic Acts, 1963 to 1978 that all motorised vehicles be fitted with reflective number plates, front and rear, is being adequately enforced; if he has any plans to increase the effectiveness of these requirements, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Reflective Number Plates.
70.
The requirements governing the display of vehicle registration index marks are laid down in Article 26 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 1982. The fitting of reflective number plates is optional under these regulations. Accordingly, the question of enforcement of reflective number plates in relation to all motor vehicles does not arise.
Later this year my Department will publish a discussion paper on a new vehicle registration index mark system. The possibility of requiring all front and rear number plates to be made of reflective material is being considered in the preparation of this discussion paper.